I didn't watch him play, but the idea of Ian Chappell - fierce competitor, beloved leader, and the very embodiment of Australianism as we knew it - was very much a part of my consciousness. You know ...

On Sunday, Chappell called time on his writing career. 'In my playing days I asked former Australia captain Richie Benaud if retirement was a difficult decision. 'No Ian,' Benaud replied wisely ...

Followers of the sport will miss his debonair presence and words of wisdom..Ian Chappell retirement, Australian cricket ...

Ian Chappell has retired from writing. Image: Getty On the back of his playing career, Chappell notoriously formed part of an iconic broadcasting foursome with Benaud, Bill Lawry and Tony Grieg.

Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images, from the Rediff Archives Legendary cricketer Ian Chappell's insightful writings, critical reviews and anecdotes from his playing days will be missed.

I didn't watch him play, but the idea of Ian Chappell - fierce competitor, beloved leader, and the very embodiment of Australianism as we knew it - was very much a part of my consciousness.

“In my playing days, I asked former Australia captain Richie Benaud ... Fellow writer Rex Clementine posted: "Ian Chappell, despite his many achievements as Australia’s Test captain, could have easily ...